Use the 1040 Paydays calculator to estimate how regular savings from each paycheck may grow over time. Adjust your contribution, timeline, expected return, and assumptions to explore different savings and retirement scenarios.
At age 65, the projected account value is $671,276, consisting of $205,000 in contributions and $466,276 in projected investment growth.
Your contributionsInvestment growthProjected range
Live Today
Make the most of the life you have now.
Protect Tomorrow
Prepare for life's ups and downs.
Plan Your Future
Save and invest one payday at a time to create more choices.
Choose What Matters
Align your money with your values and goals.
What This Calculator Estimates
Enter a starting balance, contribution per payday, pay frequency, current age, retirement age, and expected annual return. The calculator estimates future value, total contributions, projected growth, and an illustrative monthly retirement withdrawal.
How to Use the Results
Compare several contribution, timeline, and return scenarios. The results are estimates for exploring tradeoffs, not guaranteed investment returns or a personalized financial plan.
The projection compounds once per selected pay period and adds each contribution after that period's growth. The selected investment fee reduces the expected return. Optional settings adjust inflation and contribution growth. Taxes and employer matching are not calculated separately.
The right amount depends on your income, expenses, goals, and timeline. Use the contribution field to compare several realistic payday-saving amounts.
Are the calculator results guaranteed?
No. The results are estimates for comparing scenarios. Actual returns, inflation, fees, taxes, and personal circumstances can produce different outcomes.
Does the calculator include taxes or investment fees?
The calculator subtracts the investment-fee assumption from the expected return. It does not calculate taxes. Inflation can be applied to the displayed projection with the inflation-adjusted option.
Can I use the calculator for an emergency fund?
Yes. You can use the starting balance, payday contribution, timeline, and return assumptions to explore a regular savings goal, including an emergency fund.
What rate of return should I use?
Choose a rate that fits the scenario you want to explore and compare more than one assumption. The rate is an estimate, not a promise of future performance.